Technical Cooperation Strategy

Strategic framework and priorities of the UNECE technical cooperation are defined by its member States. As the technical cooperation is an instrument of implementation of the Commission's main goal - facilitation of mutually beneficial economic relations, all its sectoral and cross-sectoral technical cooperation activities aim at ensuring that all the member States enjoy efficiency gains. Therefore, UNECE technical cooperation concentrates on trans-boundaries, such as trans-European and/or trans-continental transport corridors, protection of environment, trade and transport facilitation, energy efficiency, promotion of the knowledge-based economy, etc.

Another important priority of the UNECE technical cooperation is to provide support to the national efforts of countries in transition and emerging market economies to integrate their economies into the European and global economy. This support has been realized by different means and instruments, including through cooperation agreements between the UNECE and sub-regional country-groupings and initiatives.

The UNECE technical cooperation activities in these countries are focused on institutional development and capacity building, particularly, on the harmonization of national standards, norms and regulations with those of the UNECE; removal of administrative barriers to cross-border movement of goods and people; transfer of expertise; training of nationals; introduction and promotion of efficient methods of exploitation of national resources, etc.

Significant part of UNECE technical cooperation activities is devoted to supporting economies in transition in their capacity-building efforts towards the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.

At its 62nd Session in April 2007 the UN Economic Commission for Europe adopted the revised Technical Cooperation Strategy. This document, which builds on the 2004 Strategy paper, outlines the rationale for UNECE technical cooperation and brings its principles and main goals in line with the 2005 Work Plan on UNECE Reform. The revised Strategy introduces a number of new components, such as the role of intergovernmental bodies and the secretariat following the UNECE Reform, and streamlines the UNECE fund-raising, focusing on the role of the UNECE Divisions and Regional Advisers. Particular attention is given to the elaboration of the functions of the Technical Cooperation Unit and delineation of the responsibilities and areas of work of the UNECE Regional Advisers.